Doc Rivers denies that Giannis Antetokounmpo has asked to be traded
Watch Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers answer questions about Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and the lineup for the Bucks game against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum. Courtesy of the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Milwaukee Bucks once again will try to win consecutive games for the first time since October when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, Dec. 5, at Fiserv Forum.
Milwaukee is 10-13 after beating the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Dec. 3 and has won two of its past three games. Philadelphia is 12-9, having won two in a row and three of its past four.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is out with a calf strain
The Bucks are going to be without star Giannis Antetokounmpo for, potentially, four weeks after he suffered a right calf strain in the first quarter of the game against Detroit on Dec. 3.
On the short end, though, he could come back in just a couple of weeks.
Depending on how many games he misses, Antetokounmpo’s streak of nine straight all-NBA teams is in jeopardy, as the league requires players to appear in at least 65 games to win awards.
Is Joel Embiid playing tonight?
The 76ers beat Golden State in Philadelphia on Dec. 4, and the former MVP played 25 managed minutes (17 in the first half). Embiid has played in just eight games this season. Paul George did not play against the Warriors, however, so it appears he is in line to face the Bucks after taking the night off. George played three straight games from Nov. 28-Dec. 2.
George helped the 76ers beat the Bucks back on Nov. 20 at Fiserv Forum when he scored 21 points. George went 4-for-6 from the floor for 11 points in 6 first-quarter minutes.
Taurean Prince, out (neck surgery)Giannis Antetokounmpo, out (right calf strain)Bucks probable starting lineupGuards: AJ Green, Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr.Forward: Kyle KuzmaCenter: Myles TurnerBucks vs. 76ers odds
Philadelphia is a 1.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 221.5 points per BetMGM.
What channel are the Bucks on?
The game is being simulcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and WMLW The M with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Melanie Ricks on the call.
What time is the Bucks game?
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.